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Giant tanker diverted to Milford Haven with vital gas supplies

A giant LNG tanker is due into Milford Haven tonight (Monday) to bring much needed gas supplies to the UK.

The Zarga, one of the largest LNG tankers in the world, has been diverted to the Pembrokeshire port as demand for gas rockets across the UK while the unseasonal cold snap continues.

The Zarga, sailing from Qatar, can carry about 266,000 cubic metres of LNG – enough gas to power the UK for six hours.

UK gas supplies have dwindled over the past week after a pipeline from Belgium failed and the cold weather took a turn for the worse.

On Thursday it emerged that the UK only had enough gas in storage to meet two days of demand.

While some experts suggested that supplies may need to be rationed, the UK Government has maintained that gas will not run out.

A department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) spokesman said: “Protracted cold weather increases demand, but the UK gas market is responsive and our gas needs are continuing to be met.”

Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb added: “There remains a long-term issue of gas storage as North Sea production declines but I am confident that the lights will not go out this year – partly because of the excellent energy facilities at Milford Haven.”

The Tembek, another LNG tanker, is due into Milford Haven on Good Friday.

Comments

taff2010
9:45am Tue 26 Mar 13

This ship has not been diverted, it has been on the cards for about a month. South Hook initially have planned one ship a month this year due to LNG fetching five times the amount in Japan due to the Nuclear power stations still closed after the Tsunami.
Dragon are expected to have only possibly two or three ships this year.

This ship has not been diverted, it has been on the cards for about a month. South Hook initially have planned one ship a month this year due to LNG fetching five times the amount in Japan due to the Nuclear power stations still closed after the Tsunami.
Dragon are expected to have only possibly two or three ships this year.taff2010

This ship has not been diverted, it has been on the cards for about a month. South Hook initially have planned one ship a month this year due to LNG fetching five times the amount in Japan due to the Nuclear power stations still closed after the Tsunami.
Dragon are expected to have only possibly two or three ships this year.

Score: 0

js9325
11:16am Tue 26 Mar 13

I understood this tanker was not scheduled, it left Qatar without a fixed destination and the contents were available on the Spot market and the purchase for UK use was confirmed only on Saturday. In fact two tanker loads were purchased in this way, the other went to the Isle of Grain.

I understood this tanker was not scheduled, it left Qatar without a fixed destination and the contents were available on the Spot market and the purchase for UK use was confirmed only on Saturday. In fact two tanker loads were purchased in this way, the other went to the Isle of Grain.js9325

I understood this tanker was not scheduled, it left Qatar without a fixed destination and the contents were available on the Spot market and the purchase for UK use was confirmed only on Saturday. In fact two tanker loads were purchased in this way, the other went to the Isle of Grain.

Score: 0

JThom
8:35am Wed 27 Mar 13

taff2010 is correct - this shipment was confirmed over a month ago. I work at South Hook and can say for sure it wasn't decided on Saturday!

taff2010 is correct - this shipment was confirmed over a month ago. I work at South Hook and can say for sure it wasn't decided on Saturday!JThom

taff2010 is correct - this shipment was confirmed over a month ago. I work at South Hook and can say for sure it wasn't decided on Saturday!

Score: 0

quentin
2:41pm Wed 27 Mar 13

Thom and Taff only confirm what I learned during 25 years in the oil business; that media reports of news from the industry often bear little resemblance to the true facts, especially if it makes a better story.

Thom and Taff only confirm what I learned during 25 years in the oil business; that media reports of news from the industry often bear little resemblance to the true facts, especially if it makes a better story.quentin

Thom and Taff only confirm what I learned during 25 years in the oil business; that media reports of news from the industry often bear little resemblance to the true facts, especially if it makes a better story.

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